Goods movement coalition applauds Raimondo confirmation to lead Commerce department

The Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC) congratulates Secretary Gina Raimondo on her confirmation as the 40^th U.S. Secretary of Commerce. CAGTC President Leslie Blakey offered the following statement:

“CAGTC is pleased the Senate has overwhelmingly approved Secretary Gina Raimondo to run the U.S. Department of Commerce. As one of the Biden-Harris administration’s chief advisors on global supply chains, Secretary Raimondo’s executive experience will be critical in helping the White House oversee the 100-day review of U.S. supply chains and the systemic risks posed to high-priority industries from potential overreliance on foreign suppliers. Minimizing future impacts on businesses and consumers from supply chain problems experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be a priority for the Commerce Department.

Just as our goods movement system is a national asset that requires federal investment, our domestic infrastructure, and the supply chains and goods movement system that it supports, requires federal investment to meet growing demands as our economy reopens. An efficient goods movement system attracts and retains U.S. businesses, supports exports, and benefits the economy for years to come. Every economic sector depends on a reliable, safe and cost-effective network to move goods and services. President Biden’s vision to transform and improve America’s infrastructure is directly linked to the resilience and security of the nation’s multimodal supply chain. 

Having served as a charter member on the Commerce Department’s Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness (ACSCC) since its inception in 2011, I know first-hand the importance of providing consensus advice to the Commerce Department on improving the competitiveness of U.S. supply chains for goods and services in the domestic and global economy. The ACSCC looks forward to continuing to provide valued guidance and recommendations to Secretary Raimondo through this important committee vehicle.

As our nation charts a path for economic recovery, much will be asked of our freight system. Our Coalition looks forward to working with Secretary Raimondo to ensure needed federal investment is delivered to support and secure our essential supply chains and guide our nation to economic recovery and prosperity.”